Code Jam: What TripleTen Students Build at Bootcamp

Table of Contents

• What is Code Jam at TripleTen? 
• Code Jam Project #1: Flight Checker
• Code Jam Project #2: FoodShare
• Code Jam Project #3: Fang Boarding Company
• Code Jam Project #4: Waste Not Want Not

Having a solid portfolio is a game-changer for many career switchers — It's the best way to prove to your future employer that you have the skills to do a job as a newcomer to the industry. That's why bootcamp students at TripleTen are building up their portfolios from day one of the program! In particular, Software Engineering bootcamp students have a chance to participate in a Code Jam, a free virtual event where they can create an interactive web application and present it to their peers. We caught up with four current TripleTen students (all career changers!) to examine those projects, learn if the bootcamp has been worth it for them so far, and hear their on-the-ground advice for incoming students!

What is Code Jam at TripleTen? 

Code Jam is a free, friendly, project-based competition. Students are divided into teams and given a challenge that will take them from ideation to execution over a few weeks. Through these Code Jams, students gain new skills, build their portfolios, and make new friends.

How do Tripleten students present their Code Jam projects?

This virtual event is livestreamed (check our YouTube channel!) so participants can present from anywhere. Participants are also encouraged to announce the Code Jam event on their social media to invite friends, family, current students, and future employers.

What kinds of jobs have former Code Jam participants landed after TripleTen?

Code Jam participants have graduated from TripleTen and landed tech roles, like Software Engineer and Full Stack Developer. These Code Jam graduates go on to work at large companies like Target, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Scholastic, Inc. or startups like Zencare and GovInvest.

Code Jam Project #1: Flight Checker

Student Names: Anderson Marques, Anthony Ranieri, Dillon Arnold & Mirko Zlatunic 
Name of Project: Flight Checker
Problem Solved: This web app allows users to access real-time flight updates for all major airports around the globe.
Languages used to build it: React, JavaScript, HTML

“Our web app allows users to access real-time flight updates for all major airports around the globe. Whether planning a trip, picking up a loved one, or staying informed, the flight checker app can provide accurate, up-to-the-minute flight details, all from the comfort of your home. Our main challenge was to create a reactive app that responded swiftly to every user interaction. That's quite a challenging task without React, but we were up for it!” Anderson Marques 

Anderson, are you now using this project as a talking point when interviewing for tech jobs?

I haven't been able to secure any interviews yet, but during the career acceleration program, we used the Code Jam as a starting point so that when I land an interview, I'll have the experience of working on a group project that I can discuss.

At this point in your career change journey, was TripleTen worth it for you?

It was a great experience! I have learned a lot and have been working on several small projects. It's great to see that I can now code my ideas into existence. Although I thought bootcamp graduates would be more valued in the job market, I have no regrets about joining TripleTen. Overall, it was an excellent, worthwhile experience.

What do you wish you had known before you started at TripleTen? Share one piece of advice for someone considering TripleTen!

When I was deciding which bootcamp to choose, two selling points made me go with TripleTen. Firstly, the job guarantee, and secondly, the externship program. I can see why TripleTen offers a money-back guarantee; the software engineering program is excellent, and the career acceleration sets students up for success. However, I wish I had known that the externships are not guaranteed. During my program, no externship opportunities were available, and participating in one would have given my resume and LinkedIn profile a significant boost. It is possible to complete the entire program without a single opportunity to participate in an externship, like in my case.

Code Jam Project #2: FoodShare

Student Names: Kirsten Andersen Morris & Josh Keller
Name of Project: FoodShare
Problem Solved: This app allows people or businesses to post when they have excess food to share. Users can view the posts and contact the poster to claim the food.
Languages used to build it: Create React App, Firebase (database, storage, hosting), React-Bootstrap (styling), Git and Discord

“I'm really proud of how much we got done in just 4 days with two people. It was a great chance to use React, a newly acquired skill, and practice with the Firebase offerings. Looking forward to the next projects and finishing the program soon.” Kirsten Andersen Morris

Kirsten, are you now using this project as a talking point when interviewing for tech jobs?

I haven’t graduated yet so I haven’t had a chance to speak about my code jam in an interview. But I’ll probably bring it up in the future.

At this point in your career change journey, was TripleTen worth it for you?

I think TripleTen was worth it. I have enjoyed the learning process and the tutoring team very much. The flexibility of pacing was a big plus for me.

What do you wish you had known before you started at TripleTen? Share one piece of advice for someone considering TripleTen!

I would give the advice to utilize the tutoring often and ask questions a lot through the process. That way you don’t just complete the program, you really learn the skills and gain the understanding of what you are doing.

Code Jam Project #3: Fang Boarding Company

Student Names: Nicoli Kazemi, Marco Fernstaedt, Ahmed Awad and Gerson Garcia
Name of Project: Fang Boarding Company
Problem Solved: This is a web app for a fictional dog boarding company.
Languages used to build it: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Object-Oriented Programming

“I was able to participate in it and it was a lot of fun! My team and I created a web app for a fictional dog boarding company. We used technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Object-Oriented Programming. It was an interesting experience using Discord and Zoom to communicate and GitHub to coordinate our code.” Nicoli Kazemi

Nicoli, at this point in your career change journey, was TripleTen worth it for you?

Yes. TripleTen has given me the skills to potentially qualify for an Software Engineer internship soon. I haven't had the interview yet but it seems very likely and I've already had discussions with the people.

What do you wish you had known before you started at TripleTen? 

I would say learn as much about JavaScript before jumping into a MERN Bootcamp. I had experience, but I think I would've liked to have had more.

Code Jam Project #4: Waste Not Want Not

Student Names: Eddie Mendez, Christopher Campos Lopez, Jerry Jackson, and Nathaniel Kelly
Name of Project: Waste Not Want Not
Problem Solved: This is a web app built to help people find local recycling centers.
Languages used to build it: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Figma, Google Places API

“Whether on a tablet or a desktop, we really wanted to make this [app] as simple as possible for the user.” Eddie Mendez

Eddie, at this point in your career change journey, was TripleTen worth it for you?

TripleTen has provided the knowledge and confidence I now have coming from zero coding background. 

What do you wish you had known before you started at TripleTen? 

If you’re a self-studier, this bootcamp is for you! There is a lot of information provided, so create a schedule and take the time to dive deep into the curriculum.

Find out more and read TripleTen reviews on Course Report. This article was produced by the Course Report team in partnership with TripleTen.